African American Planet Relationships, Education, Lifestyle, Products: Effeminate Male a poem by Nicholl McGuire - YouTub...

African American Planet Relationships, Education, Lifestyle, Products: Effeminate Male a poem by Nicholl McGuire - YouTub...: I don't know why our people like to look away when something is just wrong in the atmosphere!  Do people even speak truth anymore?  Some of...

Brad Goreski Book Signing at Brooks Brother's West Village

I had the chance to meet Fashion Stylist and Reality TV Star Brad Goreski during his stop on his book tour here in Dallas, at the West Village Brooks Brothers April 18th. Brad first popped on the scene as Rachel Zoe's assistant on her reality show, I knew from seeing him in the first few shows he appeared in he would soon be a solo star. I am one of the biggest fans of his show on Bravo.

I enjoyed the signing, meeting new friends, seeing fellow bloggers, and loving the life. Brad himself was so sweet! Here are a few photos from the event on Facebook.

The Skinny on Partik-Ian Polk's The Skinny.....

This past Friday I had a chance to see the remainder of Patrik-Ian Polk's newest film The Skinny. I had a chance to see a sneak peak of the movie this past January while I was attending the African-American MSM Conference in New Orleans, LA. I was excited when I found out Dallas would be one of the cities he would be premiering the new film in during a tour this Spring.

The Cast of The Skinny

Patrik was the creator of what went of to be in my opinion one of the LOGO network's most successful series Noah's Arc. In 2008 he released Noah's Arc Jumping The Broom in which I attended the sold out screening in Houston at that time. For the past 4 years Black SGL men were without a mainstream relation to our lives, and with gay marriage becoming legal in more states, and the release of the alarming rates of HIV-AIDS infection rates among Young Black Gay and Bisexual men in America much has changed since we heard from him.

In New Orleans we were shown the first half of the movie, and I was blown away by what I saw. When I saw the ending here in Dallas it's made me want to see the squeal which according to Polk is scheduled to begin production later this year. I will not give too many details, for I know the movie will be making it's round before being released on DVD this summer. I will tell me Houston peeps that you guys are in for a treat on the first night of Houston Splash 2012, as two screening will be at the River Oaks Theater.

Patrik-Ian Polk and Myself before the movie

I will say the movie addresses many issues that hit close to home from, relationships, infidelity, finding purpose in life, HIV-AIDS, self esteem, and countless of other issues the GLBT community might face. Check out all of the photos on facebook!

Passion for my PURPOSE.

Greetings! I am proud to announce I am back to blogging on a regular basis! As many know I moved to North Texas in 2010. My adjustment took about 12 months, and after roughly 18 months here I am feeling fully at home for a period of time. 2011 was by far one of the best years of my life as I embraced a new city, new people, and dealing with old people. 2012 has began, and I will say it's been a crazy, but fun ride.

I guess the most important thing I've discovered in a short period of time is to be content with all blessings, and knowing God makes NO MISTAKES! I feel at home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I have wanted to live here since I was a young boy, and I knew one day I'd have the opportunity to live here comfortably, and embrace most or all this wonderful place has to offer.

I've decided to re-brand my blog and web presence to cover this city I love so much, get to know the who's who, and really chronicle the evolving young professional urban community in the nation's fastest growing Metropolitan area. Over the next two weeks you will see many cosmetic changes to the site, and a shifting of traffic so bare with me, invite friends to subscribe, and "Like" the UrbanCowBeau on Facebook  for the latest on what's going on in the Uppity World as I call it. IF you are having an event or want me to cover something in particular feel free to drop me a few lines at terrance@theurbancowbeau.com and I'll get back with you! Thanks so much for your support, and being on this wonderful ride with me!

Grand Opening of H&M at Galleria Dallas

Whitney........

Whitney Houston, superstar of records, films, dies | accessAtlanta

Whitney Houston, superstar of records, films, dies | accessAtlanta

Police: 2 of 3 suspects ID'd in videotaped attack | ajc.com

Police: 2 of 3 suspects ID'd in videotaped attack | ajc.com

My OFFICIAL NOH8 PHOTO

The Prodigal Son- A letter to TD Jakes from his son

Well, this morning I woke up to am e-mail with a link from Youtube that has gone viral overnight. If you follow my blog or even if not I had a post back in February of 2009 when Bishop T.D. Jake's son was was accused of exposing himself in front of an undercover vice detective at a city park in Oak Cliff.  The Bishop apparently never issued a statement regarding the matter, other than a few reports saying it was private family matter. Well apparently his son it still having some very deep emotional issues that have not healed, and as I posted back in 2009 another PK (Pastor's Kid) gone WILD. I guess society deems these children as either perfect, or just terrible, however after watching this video clip from a poetry slam, I feel so bad that this man is hurting, and I'd just like to pray his healing process can begin soon. NEvertheless once the media get a hold of this, it will go even more viral, and he will likely be on every talk show before the end of the week! 

Check out the video and tell me your thoughts! 

Copyright 2011 Terrance O. Gilbert All Rights Reversed!

Luke 15:11-32 (New International Version)

The Parable of the Lost Son

 ¹¹ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

   ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

   ¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.

   “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

   ²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

   ²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

   ²⁵ “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ²⁷ ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

   ²⁸ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

   ³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Duane Cramer: Trailblazer, Photographer, Activist

Over the years I have been blessed, and fortunate to meet many that share the same unique visions, goals, and ideals as myself. This past August I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Duane Cramer, an amazing activist and photographer. Mr. Cramer has quickly become one of my mentors, and I just just his work, I ran across this article and I just had to share it! Keep up the awesome work, and keep inspiring my generation to think, live, and dream BIG! 

Myself, and Mr. Cramer at the "Testing Makes Us Stronger" Launch in Atlanta, GA, Aug. 2011

Duane Cramer: Trailblazer, Photographer, Activist - Link to article on Blackaids.org.

Addressing the HIV Epidemic among Gay and Bisexual Men

 I had the chance to personally meet Dr. Kevin Fenton, the director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) last month at the 2011 National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta, GA. Dr Fenton discussed in various sessions over the four day conference the US Government's stance on the on going crisis among  gay and bisexual men, particularly those of color. I left the conference with a clearer view of how I can make a difference in my nation, can the various communities in which I consider myself to be a part of. I returned home to Dallas with both a different perspective on just how this epidemic is spreading, and what I can do to join the fight.

Being someone that's been into the fine art of communications all of my life, I decided I would take the things I love to do, polish them for the good, and make my talents more useful in my communities. I give credit where it is due, and I will say the Obama administration has done a fabulous job in enhancing National Communications across the board. I make daily visits to both the White House's website, and the CDC's sites for work reference purposes, and for educational resources as well. Below you will find a link to a article from Dr. Fenton released on yesterday the Fourth National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

http://twitter.com/CDC_DrFenton
Addressing the HIV Epidemic among Gay and Bisexual Men

CDC awards $55 million for HIV prevention among gay, bisexual and transgender youth of color

Three Texas Agencies Receive Federal Funding For HIV\AIDS Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced today — National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — that is is awarding $55 million over five years to 34 community-based organizations, including Abounding Prosperity in  Dallas, TX, and Legacy Community Health Services, Houston Area Community Services, Inc. both in Houston, TX.

The grants amount to approximately $300,000 per organization each year and will be used to expand HIV prevention services for young gay and bisexual men of color, transgender youth of color, and their partners.

“On this National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we are reminded of the urgency of the HIV epidemic in the United States and the dramatic impact among gay and bisexual men, who account for more than 60 percent of new infections,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, in a statement.

“We must also recognize that the epidemic cannot be overcome without effectively addressing the severe and rising toll of HIV infections among gay and bisexual men of color, who continue to be hardest hit by this disease.”

According to CDC estimates released in August, between 2006 and 2009, the annual number of new HIV infections increased 48 percent among young black men who have sex with men.

Among Latinos, gay and bisexual men account for nearly two-thirds of all new infections with nearly half of these infections among Latino men who have sex with men occurring in the 13-29 age group. It's also estimated that 28 percent of transgender people are HIV-infected, according to the CDC.

"The new CDC awards are designed to enable CBOs with strong links to these populations to meet their specific HIV prevention needs. As part of these awards, each organization will be required to provide specific prevention services. These include providing HIV testing to a total of more than 90,000 young gay and bisexual men and transgender youth of color, with a goal of identifying more than 3,500 previously unrecognized HIV infections (over the five-year funding period) — and linking those who are HIV-infected to care and prevention services," states a press release from the CDC.

"CBOs will also carry out proven behavioral change HIV prevention programs and distribute condoms to young gay and bisexual men and transgender youth of color who are at high risk for HIV or are HIV-infected."

The CDC funding is spread out over 19 states and Puerto Rico. The CDC states that 30 organizations are receiving funding for efforts to reach young gay and bisexual men of color, six organizations are receiving funding to reach transgender youth of color and two organizations are being funded to reach both groups of people.

"Geographic distribution of the awards is aligned with the AIDS burden among men who have sex men of color in the United States. For example, 44 percent of the funds will go to CBOs in the South, where 42 percent of AIDS diagnoses among MSM of color occurred in 2008," the CDC press release states.

"The new awards are one part of CDC’s efforts to reduce HIV infections among young MSM and transgender youth of color and supports President Obama’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy which calls for prioritizing prevention efforts for the most-affected populations," the CDC states.

Copyright 2011 Terrance O. Gilbert All Rights Reserved ©

Official Press Release

CDC awards $55 million for HIV prevention among gay, bisexual and transgender youth of color

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today awarded $55 million over five years to 34 community-based organizations (CBOs) to expand HIV prevention services for young gay and bisexual men of color, transgender youth of color, and their partners. The awards expand upon a previous program to reach these populations with an increase of $10 million to fund a larger number of community organizations. The average award for each organization is approximately $300,000 per year.

“On this National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we are reminded of the urgency of the HIV epidemic in the United States and the dramatic impact among gay and bisexual men, who account for more than 60 percent of new infections,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. “We must also recognize that the epidemic cannot be overcome without effectively addressing the severe and rising toll of HIV infections among gay and bisexual men of color, who continue to be hardest hit by this disease.”

Recent data show that young men who have sex with men (MSM) of color are at particularly high and increasing risk of HIV infection. According to CDC estimates released in August, between 2006 and 2009, the annual number of new HIV infections increased 48 percent among young black MSM. Among Latinos, men who have sex with men are by far the most severely impacted, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all new infections. Nearly half of these infections among Latino MSM occurred in the youngest age group (aged 13-29). Transgender people are also severely affected by HIV. It is estimated that 28 percent of transgender people are HIV-infected.

The new CDC awards are designed to enable CBOs with strong links to these populations to meet their specific HIV prevention needs. As part of these awards, each organization will be required to provide specific prevention services. These include providing HIV testing to a total of more than 90,000 young gay and bisexual men and transgender youth of color, with a goal of identifying more than 3,500 previously unrecognized HIV infections (over the five-year funding period) – and linking those who are HIV-infected to care and prevention services. CBOs will also carry out proven behavioral change HIV prevention programs and distribute condoms to young gay and bisexual men and transgender youth of color who are at high risk for HIV or are HIV-infected.

The 34 funded CBOs represent 19 states and Puerto Rico. Thirty organizations will receive funding for efforts reaching young gay and bisexual men of color, and six will receive funding for efforts reaching transgender youth of color (two organizations are funded to reach both populations). A complete list of organizations receiving funding is provided below.

Geographic distribution of the awards is aligned with the AIDS burden among MSM of color in the United States. For example, 44 percent of the funds will go to CBOs in the South, where 42 percent of AIDS diagnoses among MSM of color occurred in 2008.

The new awards are one part of CDC’s efforts to reduce HIV infections among young MSM and transgender youth of color and supports President Obama’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy which calls for prioritizing prevention efforts for the most-affected populations.

CDC also works to develop tailored prevention programs designed to change HIV risk behaviors, empower individuals to protect themselves from infection, increase diagnoses of HIV, and support HIV prevention and treatment services. CDC supports the implementation of these programs with technical assistance and funding for health departments and CBOs. In addition, later this year, CDC will roll-out a new phase of its HIV testing campaign for black gay and bisexual men with intensive local campaigns in select cities, accompanied by national internet advertising and social media outreach. The campaign, called Testing Makes Us Stronger, is a part of CDC’s five-year, multi-faceted national communication campaign, Act Against AIDS.

For more information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/hiv.

***

Organizations Funded Under CDC's New Awards:

• Abounding Prosperity, Dallas
• AID Atlanta Inc.
• AIDS Alabama, Birmingham
• AIDS Project of the East Bay, Oakland, Calif.
• AIDS Service Center of Lower Manhattan, New York City
• AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Los Angeles
• Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, New York City
• Bronx AIDS Services, New York City
• Brooklyn AIDS Task Force, New York City
• CANDII, Inc., Norfolk, Va.
• Care Resource, Miami
• Center of Halsted (Horizon Community Services), Chicago
• Columbus AIDS Task Force, Columbus, Ohio
• Community Health Awareness Group, Detroit
• Community Health Project, New York City
• Diverse and Resilient, Inc., Milwaukee
• Family Health Centers of San Diego, Inc.
• Foundation for Research on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, New York City
• Houston Area Community Services, Inc.
• Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, New Brunswick, N.J.
• Kansas City Free Health Clinic, Kansas City, Mo.
• La Clinica De La Raza, Inc., Oakland, Calif.
• La Clinica Del Pueblo, Inc., Washington, D.C.
• L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, Los Angeles
• Legacy Community Health Services, Houston
• Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center, Chicago
• My Brother’s Keeper Inc., Ridgeland, Miss.
• New Orleans AIDS Taskforce
• Philadelphia Fight
• Positive Impact, Inc., Atlanta
• Puerto Rico CoNCRA, San Juan
• South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council, Columbia
• Us Helping US, People Into Living, Inc., Washington, D.C.
• Women Accepting Responsibility, Baltimore

###

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES